International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)

Volume 8, Issue 5, May 2017, pp. 832–841, Article ID: IJCIET_08_05_092

Available online at http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJCIET?Volume=8&Issue=5
ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316

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DESIGN OF SMA USING LEATHER WASTE

E.S. Dinesh Babu
Civil Engineering Department, Valliammai Engineering College,
Kanchipuram, Tamilnadu, India

Dr. S. Lakshmi
Division of Transportation Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

K. Banupriya
Civil Engineering Department, Rajalakshmi Engineering College,
Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

ABSTRACT
Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) is a gap graded mix which is characterized by high
coarse aggregates, high asphalt contents and fibre additives. Although various
asphalt additives are additionally available, the use of leather fibre in SMA is a new
research. The industrial solid wastes from the leather industries have increased and
the production of chromium and other toxic wastes. Many scientific groups have
oriented their research to find a process to recycle and treat these wastes. Treatment
of solid wastes is not a cost effective and poses economic burden to the tanners. Such
wastes are highly toxic due to chemicals added and also the disposal of such waste
will cause environmental pollution. Due to high amount of coarse aggregate and
binder content in SMA, there is a possibility of drain down during mixing,
transportation and compaction. To avoid this problem, the chrome bearing waste
called Chrome Shaving (CS) contains Cr (III) generated during the levelling of tanned
skins/hides is used. Another solid waste namely spent lime is generated during the
beam house operation. It is predominant in the nature of Calcium Sulphate (CaSo4)
after neutralizing by sulphuric acid. These wastes are dumped in the open ground
which causes environmental pollution. Since the influence of leather fibres on SMA
has to be done for determining the effect of different dosage of leather waste in
bituminous mixes of SMA in Road Construction and also to determine the optimum
dosage of leather fibre for maximum benefit. This can be achieved by doing various
tests on the properties of bituminous mixes such as Marshall stability value, percent
air voids and also their strength can be determined by performance tests like Indirect
tensile strength, rutting, creep, on the samples to be prepared in the laboratory.
Therefore, a study has been taken to evaluate the performance of CS as stabilizing
additives and spent lime as filler in SMA mixture to determine the optimum dosage at
which the drain down study give less than 0.3% by weight of mix.
Key words: SMA, leather fibre, bituminous mixes, CS, Cr (III).

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 Design of SMA Using Leather Waste

Cite this Article: E.S. Dinesh Babu, Dr. S. Lakshmi and K. Banupriya, Design of
SMA Using Leather Waste. International Journal of Civil Engineering and
Technology, 8(5), 2017, pp. 832–841.
http://iaeme.com/Home/issue/IJCIET?Volume=8&Issue=5

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. General
A highway pavement is a structure consisting of superimposed layers of processed materials
above the natural soil sub-grade, whose primary function is to distribute the applied vehicle
loads to the sub-grade. Stone matrix asphalt (SMA) is a gap-graded mix with a skeletal stone-
to-stone arrangement that requires a higher viscosity asphalt binder to keep the interlocked
aggregates bound and intact. The interlocking nature of the mix is expected to increase the
stability and to minimize the lateral displacement of the aggregates that tend to reduce
permanent deformation or rutting of the mix. The concept was first developed in Germany in
the early sixties. It was further developed in the United States in the early 1990s.There are
certain differences between the conventional hot mix and stone matrix asphalt which is
shown in Figure 1

Figure 1 Stone Matrix Asphalt and Conventional Hot Mix

Whenever a conventional dense graded aggregate gradation is altered to a gap graded
matrix, the voids in mineral aggregates (VMA) increases considerably. Such a void content
must be filled with mastic that has excellent shear properties so as to hold the gap graded
coarse aggregate matrix over a long period of time. To minimize this problem fibre were
normally used.

1.2. Need for the Study

The need for SMA is important because of
• Increased Traffic
• Slow moving vehicles
• Over loading in combination
• Insufficient degree of maintenance
• Extreme climatic - caused frequent deterioration of flexible pavements particularly in urban
areas.
During the process of conversion of hides and skins into leather, large amounts of wastes
are produced. Treatment of solid wastes is not a cost effective and poses economic burden to
the tanners. Such wastes are highly toxic due to chemicals added and also the disposal of such

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 E.S. Dinesh Babu, Dr. S. Lakshmi and K. Banupriya

waste will cause environmental pollution. Instead of disposal of waste into open space, an
alternative measures should be taken care by using it as alternate material. Hence in this
study, the use of leather fibre as an additive in SMA is studied. Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA)
is a gap-graded mixture, have a better stone to stone contact which gives better strength to the
mixture as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Section view of SMA

1.3. Objectives
The Objective of this study is
• To study the effect of fibres in Stone Matrix Asphalt mix.
• To study the effect of different dosage of leather waste in SMA as stabilizing additives.
• To determine the optimum dosage of fibre for maximum benefit in terms of drain down,
tensile strength ratio and aging.

1.4. Review of Literature

• The mix properties of SMA mixture are getting enhanced by the addition of reclaimed
polythene as stabilizer showing better rut resistance, resistance to moisture damage, rutting,
creep and aging.
• The Cellulose Oil Palm Fibre (COPF) was found to improve the fatigue performance of SMA
deign mix. The fatigue life increased to a maximum at a fibre content of about 0.6%, whilst
the tensile stress and stiffness also showed a similar trend in performance. The initial strains
of the mix were lowest at a fibre content of 0.6%.
• Reinforcing the paving mixture with fibre improves the performance of the pavement
structure, thereby reducing the frequency of future rehabilitation costs and resulting in more
economical pavement.
• The addition of fibres to bituminous mixes requires a slight increase in the optimum binder
content.
• Fibres have the potential to increase the structural resistance to distress occurring in the road
pavement due to traffic roads.
• Effective use of wastes from leather industry will help in reducing the pollutant content such
that it will formulate the pollution free environment in future.

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 Design of SMA Using Leather Waste

• The incorporation of 0.3% of leather sawdust increased the engineering properties of asphalt
mixtures and minimized the cracking of pavement surface layer due to the fibre incorporation
in the asphalt micro-surface.
It was found out that with the use of fibres no drain down was obtained.

2. METHODOLOGY
2.1. General
The Methodology chart is shown in the Figure 3

Figure 3 Methodology Chart

2.2. Design Requirements For SMA

The SMA design mix should meet the requirements given in Table 1

Table 1 Basic Requirements for SMA Mix

Mix design parameters Requirement
Airvoid content, percent 4.0
Bitumen content, percent 5.8min.
Celluloidfibres 0.3%minimumby weight of total mix
Voidsin Mineral Aggregate(VMA),percent 17min.
VCA mix, percent Less than VCA (dryrodded)
Asphalt drain down 0.3max.
Tensile Strength Ratio(TSR),percent 85min.

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 E.S. Dinesh Babu, Dr. S. Lakshmi and K. Banupriya

2.3. Characteristics of Material Used in SMA

2.3.1. Coarse and Fine Aggregate

The higher proportion of the coarse aggregate in the mixture forms a skeleton type structure
providing a better stone-on-stone contact between the coarse aggregate particles resulting in
good shear strength and high resistance to rutting as compare to BC. The adopted aggregate
must possess
• A highly cubic shape and rough texture to resist rutting and movements,
• A hardness which can resist fracturing under heavy traffic loads,
• A high resistance to polishing, and abrasion
Required and adopted aggregate gradation as per MoRTH specifications are mentioned in
Table 1 and 2 respectively and the Figure 4 shows graph for aggregate gradations.

Table 2 Gradation of Aggregate as per MoRTH

Sieve Size % of Passing
19 100
13.2 90-100
9.5 50-75
4.75 20-28
2.36 16-24
1.18 13-21
0.6 12-18
0.3 10-20
0.075 8-12

Table 3 Adopted Gradation of Aggregate as per MoRTH

Sieve Size Lower Limit Upper Limit Adopted Gradations
(L.L) (U.L)
19 100 100 100 100
13.2 90 100 94 98
9.5 50 75 60 70
4.75 20 28 22 24
2.36 16 24 18 20
1.18 13 21 16 18
0.6 12 18 15 16
0.3 10 20 14 15
0.075 8 12 10 11

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 Design of SMA Using Leather Waste

Gradation Chart
120
100

% of Passing
80
L.L
60
I.V 1
40
I.V 2
20
U.L
0
0 5 10 15 20
Sieve Size

Figure 4 Gradation of Aggregates

2.3.2. Mineral Filler

Mineral fillers affect workability, moisture resistance, and aging characteristics of HMA
mixtures. Generally filler plays an important role in properties of bituminous mixture
particularly in terms of air voids, voids in mineral aggregate. Different types of mineral fillers
are used in the SMA mixes such as stone dust, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), slag
cement, fly Ash, hydrated lime etc. Here in this project mineral filler is taken as Leather Lime
of 3-6% of total weight of the sample.

2.3.3. Binder
Bitumen along with different additives (fibers, polymers etc.) is act as a stabilizer for
bituminous Mix. Different types of bitumen have been used by various researchers to the
mixture properties. In this study Bitumen grade of 60/70 is carried out as 5.5%, 6%, and 6.5%
of total weight of sample for SMA mixtures.

2.3.4. Stabilizing Additives

The main stabilizing additives used in mixes can be classified in to different groups;
• Fibres (Cellulose Fibres, Mineral Fibres, Chemical Fibres)
• Polymer, Powder and flour like materials (Silicic acid, Special Filler)
• Plastics (Polymer Powders or Pellets)
The Stabilizing additives used here are chrome shaving (Leather Fibre) of 0.3% of total
weight of sample. The Physical and Chemical characteristics of chrome shaving by elemental
analysis per gram of sample is mentioned below in Table 4 and 5

Table 4 Physical Characteristics of Chrome Shaving

PROPERTIES UNIT VALUES
Specific Gravity - 1.5
Bulk Density gm/cc 1600
Moisture Content % 15-40
Air Content % 13
pH value - 3.0-4.1
o
Temperature Resistant C Less than 200oC

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 E.S. Dinesh Babu, Dr. S. Lakshmi and K. Banupriya

Table 5 Chemical Characteristics of Chrome Shaving

Chemicals Present Amount in %
Nitrogen 15.6
Carbon 37.3
Hydrogen 6.54
Sulphur 14.53
Oxygen 26.10

3. TESTS ON MATERIALS
3.1. Tests on Aggregate
The aggregates were tested as per Marshall Requirements and gradation of aggregates results
shows that the aggregate falls within the allowable limits as per IRC section 500 (MoRTH)
and it can be used for the sample preparation. The results of tested aggregates are given in the
Table 6

Table 6 Properties of Aggregates

Permissible
S.No Test Test Method Test Results
Values
1 Specific Gravity of Aggregates IS: 2386 2.73 2.5 – 3.0
2 Aggregate Impact Value IS: 2386 17% <20%
3 Flakiness and Elongation Index IS: 2386 24% <30%
4 Water Absorption IS: 2386 0.92% – 2%

3.2. Tests on Binder

The Physical Properties of Bitumen obtained from laboratory tests as per relevant IS codes
with necessary recommendations are given in the Table 6

Table 6 Properties of Bitumen

Permissible
S.No Test Test Method Test Results
Values
1 Specific Gravity (gm/cc) IS:1202 1.044 -
2 Penetration(100gm, 5sec, 25oC, 1/10mm) IS:1203 68.6 60 – 70
3 Softening Point- Ring and Ball method oC IS:1205 44 40 - 55
4 Ductility test IS:1208 78 >75

4. SAMPLE PREPARATION
4.1. Mixing of Components
Aggregate, bitumen, spent lime and chrome shavings are mixed together to make a
homogeneous SMA sample by heating up-to a temperature of 1600C.

4.2. Putting in Mould

For preparation of samples the mixture prepared was put in moulds. A standard mould is a
cylindrical mould made of iron having a diameter of 100 mm.

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 Design of SMA Using Leather Waste

Figure 5 Sample of Chrome savings, mixing process SMA mix

4.3. Compaction
After putting in mould hammering was performed. For hammering a mould, Marshall
Compactor was used. Usually hammering was done by giving 50 or 75 blows to each side of
specimen.

4.4. Finalizing the Sample

After hammering the sample was taken out of mould. Later on the sample was left in open to
cool down to room temperature. The Figure5 shows the sample of Chrome savings, mixing
process SMA mix.

5. TESTS ON SPECIMEN AND ANALYSIS

The tests carried out whether it meets basic recommendations. Table 7 indicates that the SMA
Mix meets the Basic recommendations with optimum dosage of leather fibre as 0.3% by
weight of mix.

Table 7 SMA meets the Basic Recommendations

Properties Requirements* SMA

Bitumen content, % 5.8 min 6.0
Stabilizing additive, % Min 0.3%, 0.3%
Air void content, % 4 >4
Void in mineral aggregate, % 17min >17
Compactive effort, No of blows 50 50
Drain down, % <0.3% 0.12
Less than VCA (Dry
Voids in Coarse aggregate, % 31.5
rodded)
VCA by dry rodded method, % Min 45% 46.4
VCA Ratio <1 0.
Tensile Strength, Ratio 85% min 88.5

6. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

From the experimental investigations the following conclusions are drawn.
• The SMA mixes designed with available aggregates showed good stone on stone contact. The
17% Voids in Mineral aggregate and 4% air voids in the mix were fulfilled as SMA Mix
design criteria. The Drain Down values was in the range of 0.12-0.22% by weight of mix.
• The value of Creep Modulus is high so leather fibre is higher resistance to permanent
deformation. The Tensile Strength Ratio is more so, it indicating improving the adhesion

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 E.S. Dinesh Babu, Dr. S. Lakshmi and K. Banupriya

property of binder to hold the aggregate in mix and it exhibit superior water resistance
property of mix and it is used in heavy rain fall area.
• Based on the above performance, leather fibre can be used as a stabilizing additive without
affecting the design criteria of SMA Mixtures.
• The Optimum dosage of Binder content is found to be 6% by total weight of mix for 60/70
grade of Bitumen. The Optimum dosage of leather fibre is found to be 0.3% by weight of the
mix.It is recommended that the design mix may be taken as 6% penetration grade 60/70
bitumen with 0.3% leather fibre fulfilled the design criteria as per IRC SP 79:2008.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors thank Profs S. Lakshmi for providing valuable assistance in this study and also
for permission and encouragement to conduct such studies for the benefit of science and
society.

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